Read Colossians 3:15-17

Three primary things are mentioned in Colossians 3:15-17 that describe the heart of the believer.  The believer’s heart then is the subject of these verses.

1.  The believer is to have a heart ruled by God’s peace – vs. 15.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

Here we are told to allow the peace of God to direct our hearts.  God’s Word and His peace are to rule in us.  Peace should be something we strive to experience within ourselves, but also as indicated in the context, with others.

2.  The believer is to have a heart abundantly rich in the Word of God – vs. 16.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

A dwelling is where one lives, and here we are reminded that the Word of Christ is to dwell richly or abundantly in us.  How can God’s Word dwell in us except that we spend time studying, memorizing, and meditating upon it? How can God’s Word dwell in us richly except we attend a local church where we are taught and admonished from the pulpit, and where we experience the ministry of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs?

3.  The believer is to have a heart that does everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus – vs. 17.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.”

Do you do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus?  I think there are times I am guilty of doing things in the name of self.  A believer should never act without considering how his words or deeds are going to be construed.  May everything we do and say bring honor to the Name which is above every name, the LORD JESUS CHRIST!!!

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Why is it important for the peace of God to rule in your heart?

2.  What practical things can you do to spend more quality time in God’s Word?

3.  What is necessary if you are going to do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus?

4.  What do you believe is the most important thing you learned from this devotion?